TAWAU: The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved an allocation of RM1 million to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) for the implementation of the Kampung Angkat Madani initiative this year.
The approval was welcomed by Kampung Inderasabah residents, the only settlement in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) selected for the programme.
Esscom Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the primary focus is on improving infrastructure and the wellbeing of the community.
“Among the initiatives already identified are installing lighting in dimly lit roads, upgrading the jetty and enhancing security measures in Inderasabah,” he said.
He said this after co-chairing the Mesyuarat Penyelarasan Program Kampung Angkat Madani Esscom with Apas Assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan at the Tawau Municipal Council, here, Tuesday.
Jamaluddin said six villages in Sabah were selected as Kampung Angkat Madani, but Inderasabah is the only one chosen in the Esszone as it meets the specified criteria.
“If this programme proves successful in Inderasabah, we may expand a similar model to other areas in Esszone, such as Kudat, Sandakan, Beluran, or Semporna,” he added.
When asked about the selection criteria for Inderasabah, he said the village is exposed to cross-border criminal activities such as fuel smuggling and sea robberies.
The selection also considered the village’s geographical proximity to Indonesian and the Philippine waters, as well as the strong unity among its residents.
“Additionally, an extra allocation of RM200,000 has been set aside for programmes under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
“We have also selected SK Lihak-Lihak in Semporna as a Sekolah Angkat Madani with an allocation of RM100,000 following discussions with the State Education Department,” he said.
On security matters, Deputy Tawau District Police Chief Supt Champin Piuh said the situation in Inderasabah is under control, with only three isolated crime cases recorded.
“In terms of security, we have a General Operations Force checkpoint in Inderasabah, along with maritime surveillance by the marine police,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nizam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, expressed gratitude that the village under his constituency was chosen for the programme.
“I am confident this programme will bring significant impact and add value, particularly in social activities related to improving the residents’ economy and border security,” he said.
